More than 20 people killed in Ukraine protest violence
Updated: 2014-02-19 10:30:12 KST

The capital of Ukraine is as bloody as it can get,
Clashes between riot police and protesters have resulted in the deaths of at least 21 people, including seven riot police in the worst outbreak of violence since demonstrations erupted against President Viktor Yanukovich 12 weeks ago.
Ukrainian police charged protesters at the capital's Independence Square, using rubber bullets, smoke and stun grenades on protesters, and clashed with civilians on the barricades surrounding the central Kiev square.
Earlier Tuesday, the authorities had set protesters an early evening deadline that ended hours ago to end street disorder or face "tough measures."
The demonstrators responded by throwing petrol bombs, fireworks and stones at police.
Opposition leader Vitaly Klitschko , who met Yanukovich for emergency talks, had told women and children to quit the encampment and leave the central square, but he urged some 25-thousand protesters to defend the camp, saying that they were there to stay.
Tuesday's clashes began after the demonstrators attempted to march on parliament demanding constitutional reform.

"Unfortunately, there seems to be no progress being made regarding the matter. We have proposed constitutional amendment, which hasn't even submitted the reform."

President Yanukovich is expected to address the nation after his meeting with opposition leaders, but an exact time has not been announced.
The international community has called on both sides to show restraint with the U.S. saying it was ''appalled'' by the violence.
Shin Se-min, Arirang News.